It's only in reading the synopsis to this television-film once again that I am reminded that Miss Jane Pittman is indeed a fictional character. Doubtless much went into the research for Ernest Gaines's original novel - hence the realism of the events that unfold on screen in this TV adaptation. In reviewing 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman' I cannot help but compare it to the highly successful and critically appraised TV series 'Roots'; both have depth, both have well-rounded characters, and both leave the audience with the knowledge that above being merely a black-white problem, slavery is first and foremost a human problem. In this production, the older Ned spells this out for his audience in quite simple language. However, re-dressing the balance of the message does not take away from the gross evils perpetrated by many an American white-man through American history - from lynching, to hangings, to beatings, this production does not shy away from the reality of events in the not-too-distant past (though I should add the production is never overly graphic). For me, 'Roots' is a superior production to this film and still has a solid place on my Top-100. However, for a shortened version of the story of American slavery this is a fine production with good acting performances. Above all, the film offers a cautionary reminder of the evils and injustice to which the human race can stoop, yet at the same time puts forth a strong reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.